Russia and Ukraine both claimed to hit each other's key military targets on Sunday, including refineries, arms depots, and drone production bases, pressing on with their war conflict.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Sunday that Russian forces conducted a strike using air- and sea-based precision weapons, as well as attack drones, targeting an oil refinery in the city of Kremenchuk, Poltava region of Ukraine. The facility had been supplying fuel to Ukrainian forces in the Donbas region.
Russian troops also struck Ukrainian drone control points, munition depots, and unmanned naval vessels, it said.
On the same day, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that to impair Russia's attack drone production capabilities, Ukrainian special forces, in coordination with other units, carried out an attack on a critical target in Russia, a drone manufacturing facility in Yelabuga of the Republic of Tatarstan.
It said the specific results of the operation are still being verified.
Also on Sunday, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that, in line with prior agreements reached between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, Türkiye, Russia handed over another 1,200 bodies of Ukrainian citizens, including military personnel, to Ukraine on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Russian media reported that, to date, Russia has handed over 4,812 bodies to Ukraine, while Ukraine has returned 27 to Russia.
Russia claims striking Ukrainian refinery, Ukraine says attacking Russian drone factory
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
